Learn How to Make Your Tires Last Longer

 
Like most things, tires have a shelf life. While there’s no set “expiration date” for tires, there are ways to learn how to make your tires last longer. So, what’s the secret to long-life tires? Choosing a quality set of tires — something with which Ryan Buick GMC can help — is one thing to keep in mind. But there are also tire care tips you can follow to extend the life of any set of rubber. Keep it with Ryan Buick GMC below to learn more, then contact us with any lingering questions you may have!

What Causes Tire Tread Wear?

Car tires are wearable items like brakes, windshield wiper blades, and more. Because tires withstand tons of friction and different driving styles, temperatures, and more, they wear out and require replacing over time. Here are some types of common tire wear to be aware of:

• Inner & Outer Tread Wear: Sometimes referred to as “toe wear” or “camber wear,” excess wear on the inner or outer part of the tire often is caused by tire misalignment.
• Center Wear: The tire is probably overinflated. Check your owner’s manual for the correct PSI.
• Edge Wear: Underinflation is likely the culprit.
• Cupping Wear: Cupping wear is a diagonal scalloping of the tire. This indicates a serious issue with the suspension system, and you should schedule a service appointment at our Bismarck area service shop ASAP.
• Patchy Wear: Are your tires wearing in patches? They’re likely out of balance, meaning it’s time to see a mechanic.

Tips for Getting Long-Lasting Tires

Follow your car’s regular maintenance schedule and these tips below to help get long-life tires:

• Check Your Tire Pressure Every Month – Did you know that your tires can lose up to a pound per square inch of air pressure every month? Most cars now come with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that makes keeping track of your tire pressure easier. In the winter, they could lose more and the summer will cause them to gain more. That’s why you should check your tire pressure once a month and fill up accordingly!
• Rotate Your Tires Every 5,000 Miles – Tires don’t wear evenly, especially if you have a model with all-wheel-drive. Rotating the tires allows the ones working the hardest to take a break.
• Get Your Tires Balanced – Be sure to balance your tires after having them rotated. If the weight is distributed to one wheel more than the other, this could also create uneven wear.
• Check the Vehicle Alignment Twice Yearly – If your wheels are not properly aligned, they’ll wear out a lot faster than they otherwise would! This is easy to notice as the steering wheel may shake. This can happen over time, or if you hit the edge of a curb or a pothole. Be sure to watch for the signs.

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

If you find yourself using a spare tire, you’re probably wondering how long you can drive on it. How long exactly can you drive on a spare tire? That depends on what type of spare you’re using, as you’ll see below:

• Full-Size spare tire: You may safely drive with this tire, but you should have it changed as soon as you can since it’s not likely the same brand as your other tires, which can cause damage over time. It may also be old, which can pose a safety risk, especially if older than six years old (the age at which it’s recommended you change your tires out, regardless of wear).
• Space saver or “donut” spare tire: Drive no longer than 70 miles and don’t exceed 50 mph when driving on New Town roads.

• Run-flat spare tire: If your vehicle has run-flat tires instead of an extra spare, you can drive about 50 miles after the tire is punctured, but you should avoid high speed, similar to if you were driving with a “donut”.

TLDR: It’s a best practice to change out any kind of spare tire for a manufacturer-recommended regular tire ASAP.

Ryan Buick GMC is Here to Meet Your Tire Needs!

Looking to learn more about how to make your tires last longer? Ready to purchase new tires? The Ryan Buick GMC tire center is here to help meet all your tire needs! Just give us a call at %(866) 763-7101 with additional questions or check out our service specials to save more on tire care in Minot near Bottineau!